More and more veterinarians are starting to recommend post operative physical therapy for cranial cruciate ligament repair patients. While opinions differ from one veterinary surgeon to another, proponents of canine PT believe that physical therapy in the post-op CCL repair dog can help bring a dog back to full function in a shorter amount of time vs. traditional rest following surgery. Veterinarians are presently conducting studies to show the efficacy of PT in animals, and to prove that it has a similar restorative mechanism as PT in humans.
The second part of canine PT is begun as inflammation has started to resolve, and healing begins to be the predominate theme in the wound. During this time pro-PT veterinarians believe that enough stress should be applied to healing tissues to stimulate and optimize healing without threatening the stability of the joint. Ideally, phase two activities should parallel the gradual increase in tensile strength observed in the wound. If one is too aggressive with PT during this period, failure can occur; conversely, if one lags in PTH activities, the goal of early return to function is not accomplished.
Exercises included in canine PT:
1. Sit and stand.
2. Corner stands.
3. Figure-eight walks.
4. Wheel barreling.
5. Stretching of hamstrings, quads. (without stimulation).
6. Decline treadmill followed by incline treadmill.
7. Leg weights.
8. Unbalancing activities..
Right now PT is favored in dogs with working backgrounds such as agility or hunting, but it has begun to pop up amongst other owners as well. Not all veterinary offices offer PT services, and you should check with your vet prior to CCL repair as to whether or not it is something your doctor recommends. None of these exercises should be attempted on your dog by anyone other than a trained professional, and premature movement of the joint in a post-op CCL repair dog can compromise the stability of the joint and ultimately cause the repair to fail. Always follow the direction of your veterinarian when exercising your dog during the post operative period.
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Where do you get the leg weights from?
please let me know if you found out any more about leg weights
Appreciate the info guys, thanks
After a ccl surgery (which included damage to the meniscus), how long should it take for a 2 yr. old german shepherd to walk without a limp?
It has been 5 weeks, and he still has a pronounced limp, and barely toe touches that leg to the ground.
Any one out there have this happen to a young dog?
Sherry, I am interested to see how your dog is doing? My girl had the TPLO done and was fine 8 weeks post op…she had the TTA done and is 9 weeks post op and still 3 legged….would love to know what your experience is
From what I am told, the differing techniques in sugrigal options, makes a difference in how fast the dog goes beyond mere toe touching and can be seen walking limp free.
Other vairables include: the miningeal damage as with your dog, Sherry. Whether the dog has had a previous surgical repair as with your dog, Samantha. And I would include the athleticism of the dog prior to the surgery.
I’ve held the hands of frustrated friends who’s dogs have had occasional slow progress and even set backs. Do either of your vets have any helpful suggestions to help your dog push forward? Is affordable PT available in your area?
Either way, ask if there is an exercise(s), range of motion or a light stretch to allieviate the problem and speed the progress.
My vet was very clear, in addition to walking, she was to practice standing on her hind legs. He said the TTO (our proceedure) dogs need that particular strengthening as it helps keep the joint properly alligned as it gains mobility. *I have no idea of course, whether it would be helpful or even contraindicated in a CCL or TPLO. However, it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I hope you both see some progress soon. =)
Please could you let me know where to purchase leg weights from as I am having trouble finding any
Thank you
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